The appointments of a new chancellor and vice-chancellor at the University of Papua New Guinea, have been slammed by PNG's Trade Union Congress.
Outside the University of PNG Photo: facebook
The Pacific Media Centre reported that Jeffrey Kennedy had been made chancellor and Kenneth Sumbuk vice-chancellor.
The congress president, John Paska, said the appointments made by the Higher Education Minister, Pila Niningi, would create governance issue.
There are serious allegations surrounding Professor Sumbuk's previous handling of money assigned for various university activities, Mr Paska said.
He also queried the eligibility of Mr Kennedy for the position of chancellor.
The university council had reportedly recommended Frank Griffin, a former head of science at the university, for the position of vice-chancellor.
However, the council was sacked by the minister on Monday and new members appointed.
Its 10 new members were appointed by Mr Niningi after he ousted the acting chancellor Nicholas Mann the and acting vice-chancellor Vincent Malaibe.
The minister said he had to make the changes because of the council's failure to respond to queries he had made since last July on matters regarding the institution.
Last year, the council also rescinded a hike in compulsory fees.
Dr Mann told the National on Wednesday that former council members would reserve comment on their removal because they were seeking legal advice from the university's lawyers.
